"What can companies do to succeed in the current economic downturn?"

This was the challenge presented in early 2009 by the Atlanta Chapter of FEI to local college students, as part of its annual Academic Awards program. In addition to submitting transcripts, a resume, and a letter of recommendation, students were asked to submit a research paper which would answer this question, and explain why such actions will work today.

The Atlanta chapter’s academic awards program is focused on students from colleges and universities with faculty or immediate family who are members of the chapter. Applicants must be juniors or first-year graduate students. Invitations to submit applicants were extended to members of FEI’s academic community at six institutions:

• Clayton State University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Georgia State University
• Kennesaw State University
• Oglethorpe University
• University of Georgia

The top academic award  was presented on April 28 at the Buckhead Club to Danielle L. Chapman of Clayton State University. Winifred O. Akande of Georgia State University, received an Honorable Mention for outstanding credentials and her research paper. To read the two essays, click on the the words "Essay" below:

Essay by Danielle Chapman, Clayton State University

Essay by Winifred O. Akende, Georgia State University